There is more to golf than just Tiger

And even then, the TV ratings will still be lower because he is not playing.  Even when he is not in contention (which is seldom), the ratings are still decent because he will get airtime.

Tiger Woods will come and go (as did Nicklaus and Palmer before him), and the PGA Tour will go on its merry way, but it is undeniable that he 'moves the needle.'  Even a player of Mickelson's stature (both in play and in fan appeal) will acknowledge Woods' overall economic impact on the sport.  And all that money starts with the fan-base.

AAAAAce,

I agree and feel your pain. Glad you found a taker for those tickets.

The article isn't describing the quality of the event but the lure of it. Do fans want to see good golf or do they want to be part of a historic event, and want it so badly that they're willing to shell out extra money for the opportunity? I live in Augusta, and I can tell you the excitement level in this town is dramatically different when Tiger is in the hunt for the green jacket. This last year the course was half empty by the time the leaders finished up because he was out of contention. Students working the event, merchants, hoteliers, wait staff, even homeowners would face major budget shortages if Tiger ever passed on us entirely, and that's even considering the great allure that The Masters has.

It does no good to preach about how wrong that is, it just is. If the Florida media doesn't care about the TPC, there's a huge disinterest out there. 

I watch golf almost religiously...I am a huge Tiger fan but I find it nice to focus on some of the newer talent and established players outside of Tiger...it was great watching Anthony Kim win the first tourney of his career

As the original poster stated, the majority of the Top 50 golfers are in the field...I wouldn't skip it due to Tiger being injured...to me they must just be Tiger fanboys and not golf fans...

Maybe it's time for the PGA Tour to wake up and start using some influence with the networks to get them to promote others on tour besides Tiger.  Every telecast, whether he's playing or not, is starting to resemble a Tiger reality show.  Maybe CBS should change their acronym to TWN.

While they're at it, the PGA Tour might consider making prices for their events more affordable for the masses, particularly in light of the current economic downturn or whatever it is they're calling it these days.  Ten to fifteen years ago, the golf world was making great strides in growth across the economic spectrum.  With that growth came a boon in the industry, followed by pricing to match the growth.  Now we have a ton of underplayed, overpriced golf courses that are starting to make the game a rich-man's sport once again.  I think the Tour would be much better served by making tickets attainable by all golf fans, not just a few.  (And do away with those $10 egg sandwiches and hot dogs!)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on Tiger.  I love watching him play.  I also love watching Phil, Sergio, Ryan, Luke, and on and on.

My son is one of those ;'scalpers' and sales have been fairly good.  Firday and Saturday were the hotter tickets and Sunday is dead.  Guess there are plenty of guys out there getting it in before Mother's day.  Mom trumps.  I run a bait shop and same goes for fishging tomorrow....it will be slow, nothing to do with tiger.